BY APRIL WARREN
Newsday

BETHPAGE, N.Y. — A proposed research facility for the Department of Homeland Security in Bethpage would develop new technology for first responders and create new jobs on Long Island, according to Rep. Steve Israel.

The $2 million in federal funding for the Applied Science Center for Innovation and Excellence in Homeland Security Research Foundation Corp. was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on June 24 as part of a Homeland Security funding bill that will come to the Senate floor this year.

President George W. Bush has threatened to veto the bill because it contains more funds than he requested, although Israel (D-Huntington) and Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) said they were hopeful it would be enacted.

The congressmen announced the proposed federal funding at a news conference in Bay Shore yesterday. Israel said it would be the first of its kind in the country.

"New York and Long Island are the number one terrorist target in the world," said King. "Estimates are if there is an attack launched against New York City, it would be from Long Island, Nassau and Suffolk. That's what happened in Spain, that's what happened in England. An attack begins with the suburbs and goes to cities."

Consortium researchers would focus on producing new technologies, such as improved Global Positioning Systems and radiation-detection sensors that would be available for police and first responders in the field, according to Leonard M. Poveromo, director of technology development for Northrop Grumman, who would be involved with the development of technology at the center. The center would be located in the old Grumman complex.

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